The Los Angeles Angels completed three deals on MLB trade deadline day, including one that sent Noah Syndergaard to the Philadelphia Phillies for former No. 1 overall pick Mickey Moniak and outfield prospect Jadiel Sanchez.
Moniak struggled in his limited Major League opportunities with the Phillies but has looked revitalized since coming over to the Angels. He homered in his second game with the team and went deep again on Saturday against the Seattle Mariners.
Unfortunately for Moniak, he was removed from the second game of a doubleheader at T-Mobile Park after taking a pitch off his finger on a bunt attempt in the ninth inning.
The 24-year-old underwent X-rays, and Angels interim manager Phil Nevin did not expect good news, per ESPN.com:
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mickey Moniak had to leave the second game of a doubleheader at the Seattle Mariners on Saturday night after taking a pitch off his finger on a bunt attempt in the ninth inning.
“It’s not looking good,” Nevin said. “I’m crushed for him, but it’s a part of the game.”
It was revealed on Sunday that Moniak suffered a fractured left middle finger and could miss significant time.
This latest potential setback for Moniak is nothing short of crushing, as he finally appeared to be coming into his own after a disappointing start to his MLB career.
Moniak was hitting .286/.333/.714 with two home runs and three RBI in five games prior to his finger injury.
Mickey Moniak with a solo homer to right and the #Angels are up 3-0. It's his second homer in five games with the Angels. pic.twitter.com/5MSbnKFOVl
— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) August 7, 2022
Moniak suffered a similar hand injury on the final day of Spring Training while with the Phillies and did not make his 2022 debut until May 30.
Nevin hoped Moniak could ‘relax’ & start fresh with Angels
Nevin, who is a former No. 1 overall pick himself, knows the pressure Moniak has faced and was hoping he could start fresh with the Angels.